More than 100 Chinese bus drivers working in Singapore took medical leave and refused to go to work on Monday over differences in a recent pay rise.

The online edition of local newpapers said the bus drivers employed by local public transport operator SMRT were unhappy that the Malaysian drivers received a pay increase of 275 Singapore dollars (225 U.S. dollars) with one month bonus pay, while the Chinese drivers got an increase of 75 Singapore dollars without any bonus.

One of the drivers said a change from five work days to six also means they earn less in wages for over-time work. They also complained about the poor conditions at their dormitory and deductions from their wages for medical leaves.

A human resources executive of SMRT, which operates about 25 percent of the bus services in Singapore, was called in to resolve the dispute. The police was called in when the talks came to a standstill, but so far there has been order.

The Chinese Embassy in Singapore said it is in close contact with Singapore authorities over the incident.

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